Guitars and Airlines

I have brought 6 guitars from Europe to Hong Kong with connecting flights using the method you describe (including a Les Paul and Collings 335) there were no issues. So long as the hard case is decent, you loosen the strings and provide some cushioned support for the headstock you shouldn't have any issue.

 

You answered your own question when you said you cannot afford to have it broken. NEVER check a guitar unless it is in a TSA approved anvil case that will survive a 20 foot drop on to concrete.

If you have status with the airline, get them to put it in the first class closet.

 

^ THIS. I don't know the deal on insuring gear for airline travel (if they even have it, how expensive it is, etc.), but I personally would not risk a guitar in a "factory hard shell." As said above, if it's not TSA approved ATA stuff, you're just taking a chance. I would automatically assume it ends up in the hands of a boneheaded TSA guy who throws it around and at least damages up the case. A guy at my local guitar shoppe once told me he's "seen it" himself, and the airlines basically do not care about your precious cargo. At all.

 

If they'll gate check it for you, you should be fine. You may be better off with a nice gig bag, as it takes up less space and doesn't give people the false sense of security that a hard shell might

 

Les Paul always checked his Les Paul in a regular case. It was beat to all hell, but he said, never a problem.

Most airlines will let you bring a guitar in the cabin, though it will be considered your one carry-on. You can have "personal item" in addition.

 

Wrong. NEVER check in a guitar on a passenger flight. I'm in groundhandling, and you'll be amazed by what I've seen broken, though there are very very good reasons for it.

Moving guitars? Use a professional courier, and don't skimp on the insurance.

 

I have posted ad nauseum about guitars and air travel. Your statement of "I need to travel cross country by air. I'm taking a couple of guitars" seems so nebulous. Are you moving? Going to a gig? Ship 'em if you're moving.

Regardless of the details: I think the loosening the strings concept is preposturous. Somebody convince me otherwise. Employ some sort of science if possible.

 

I actually subscribe to this theory myself, and I fly 40 weeks a year. Of course I have pretty good standing and am in first a lot, so no issues.

To the idea that continental says they welcome instruments but that they have to fit an overhead our under the seat.... Get real. It will never happen. You will have to gate check, and you will not be prepared.

 

I could be wrong, but I think it's about the difference between a potentially warped neck and a potentially broken neck.

If the strings are not loosened, then there's existing stress on the guitar neck. At 30,000 feet in the air, remember that the cargo hold is not temperature controlled, and the guitar becomes very cold. Therefore, a shrinking neck, with shinking strings, adding extra tension to an already tense neck might be more prone to damage? Cracking?

Whereas a neck with no tension at all os free to comtract and expand according to temperatire with no directional pull to case it to potentially snap? Maybe in this case, the worse case scenario is natural warping of the neck due to moisture, while a tense neck would be more likely to snap?

Everytime I buy a guitar any shop in Japan, and the store people know I'm taking a flight, they ALWAYS loosen my strings.

I don't know, but that's my best guess.

 

You can always buy the guitar a ticket (full priced, of course) for its own seat on the plane.
I flew from the southern US into Canada with my acoustic guitar as checked baggage- and it was in a SOFT SHELL cardboard case. It was risky, but no problems whatsoever.

 

other airlines are not so friendly. i hand carry my guitars and put them in the overhead bin.

once i brought my LP in a lifton and placed it in the overhead cabinet. i said to myself if they bothered me with it i'm prepared to put up a fight.. lol.. or rather not bring the guitar at all...

 

That could certainly help. Also, if your plans are flexible, look at the seating charts and try to get an exit row and book on flights that are less crowded. It will help your chances.

Ps. If it is for a performance, and you are a professional that will be doing this regularly. Bite the bullet one the case. It is as much part of your "tools of the trade" as any other piece of gear and not a place to skimp. And they last forever.